Free-standing swimming pool with rigid wall and coping

ABSTRACT

A free-standing swimming pool comprising a rigid wall supported by posts with a coping over at least part of its periphery, the coping including: profiled sections ( 11 ) lapping over the top edge of the wall between two consecutive posts ( 5 ), these sections having longitudinal cells ( 15, 16 ) extending into their respective end faces; rigid plates ( 17 ) resting on the top faces of the posts and on which the facing ends ( 14 ) of two successive profiled sections rest; and connecting flange units ( 18 ) resting respectively on the plates and screwed through the corresponding plate into the top face of the posts, these flange units each featuring transverse positioning and vertical fixing means ( 22, 25 ) engaging inside the cells ( 15, 16 ) of two facing profiled sections to hold these in a correct relative position.

This invention generally concerns free-standing swimming pools withrigid walls and, more specifically, improvements made to free-standingswimming pools comprising at least one rigid wall supported by posts oruprights, a coping being provided over at least part of the periphery ofthe swimming pool.

A known approach is to equip the top edge of the wall of a free-standingswimming pool with a profiled section which, one the one hand, providesprotection for preventing persons injuring themselves on this generallythin top edge and, on the other hand, enhances the esthetic appearanceof the swimming pool. These sections can be of highly variedconformation.

Construction of a coping for a swimming pool of this type provesdifficult if an esthetic appearance is sought (invisible or essentiallyinvisible assembly means) and possibly because of potential overhangingof the coping towards the outside in the presence of a relatively thinwall.

The object of the invention is essentially to propose improved, yetsimple, means suitable for allowing a swimming pool as mentioned aboveto be equipped with a coping, under acceptable economic conditions andirrespective of the composition of the swimming pool wall.

To this end, a free-standing swimming pool as described in the preambleand equipped according to the invention is characterized in that itincludes:

-   -   profiled coping sections suitable for lapping over the top edge        of the wall and whose length corresponds to the distance        separating two consecutive posts,    -   said profiled sections comprising longitudinal cells extending        into their respective end faces,    -   rigid plates resting on the top faces of the posts, the facing        ends of two successive profiled sections resting on said plate        at a distance from each other, and    -   connecting flange units suitable for resting respectively on        said plates and securely fixed by screwing through the        corresponding plate into the top face of the posts, these flange        units each comprising transverse positioning and vertical fixing        means suitable for engaging inside the aforesaid cells of the        facing ends of two consecutive profiled sections to hold these        in a correct relative position.

The means implemented according to the invention are structurallysimple, the component parts can be mass-produced at low cost, and thesemeans are efficient because they allow, using invisible or essentiallyinvisible assembly means, installation of a coping which may projecttransversely beyond the swimming pool wall, which is structurallyresistant and on which a person can, in particular, lean or even place achild, without damaging it.

The features embodying the invention can find their application whateverthe composition of the swimming pool wall and, in particular, when theat least one wall is made up of panels, which are connected insuccession by said posts.

The features embodying the invention can therefore find an advantageousapplication in the case of a swimming pool comprising at least one wall,of significant thickness therefore, composed of panels made of wood or amaterial with the appearance of wood (and which can be formed bysuperposing planks, for example), which are connected in succession byposts or uprights at least partly made of wood or having the appearanceof wood. In this case, the features embodying the invention can alsofind their application in a swimming pool comprising an internal metalwall, an external cladding wall composed of panels made of wood or amaterial with the appearance of wood, and posts of composite structure,with the internal part made of metal and the external part made of woodor a material with the appearance of wood, said posts bracing the twowalls, whilst securely fixing in succession the panels of the externalwall, and each said profiled coping section is suitable for lapping overboth the internal wall and the external wall. Moreover, the featuresembodying the invention can prove to be particularly advantageous in thecase of a double-wall swimming pool, as described in document FR 2 843769, which comprises an internal wall composed of metal panels, anexternal cladding wall composed of panels made of wood or a materialwith the appearance of wood, and posts or uprights of compositestructure, with the internal part made of metal and the external partmade of wood or a material with the appearance of wood, said postsbracing the respective panels of the two walls, whilst securely fixingthem in succession, each said profiled coping section being suitable forlapping over both an internal panel and an external panel. The favorablecase in which the double wall constitutes a significant, evensubstantial, thickness, facilitating efficient support of the coping,then exists.

Within the scope of this invention, the profiled coping sections arepreferably made of wood or a material with the appearance of wood.

Advantageously, each flange unit comprises opposing lateral lugs,suitable for engaging in respective cells of the facing ends of twoadjacent profiled sections, and which are equipped to exert an elasticforce within said cells to hold said profiled sections in a correctrelative position in the transverse direction.

By simple means, each flange unit comprises opposing lateral studssuitable for fitting into respective cells of the facing ends of twoadjacent profiled sections to hold said ends in a correct verticalrelative position.

Two successive profiled sections can be perfectly positioned bothvertically and horizontally by combining the above two features, whichresults in good visual appearance of the coping. Moreover, this accuraterelative positioning is obtained without the assembly parts beingapparent.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, each flange unit has a U-shapedbody with longitudinal flanges, whose ends are bent outwards to form theaforesaid lugs, the two lugs located at the same end of the flange unitforming between them an angle approximately equal to the angle formed bytwo consecutive wall panels between them. Moreover, it is then simple toallow for at least two respective holes to be drilled through the twolongitudinal flanges of each flange unit and for a rod to be insertedthrough these holes to protrude externally on each side of the twoflanges, the protruding parts of the rod forming two opposing studs.Advantageously, such a flange unit can therefore be metal and, inparticular, formed by a cut-bent metal plate or formed by cast metal,such that it is structurally resistant and can be mass-produced.

It should also be stressed that the implementation of the meansaccording to the invention and, in particular, of the aforesaid flangeunit permits easy adaptation to the exact outline of the swimming pooland, in particular, adaptation to the angle formed by two consecutivepanels between them as a function of the number of these panels, inother words as a function of the exact polygonal shape of the swimmingpool.

To complete the esthetic appearance of the coping, a cover box can beprovided to conceal the connecting flange unit.

The means according to the invention can suit every coping configurationsought, whether it extends over only part of the swimming pool peripheryor over the whole periphery.

The invention will be better understood on reading the followingdescription of some preferred embodiments provided only as nonlimitingexamples. In this description, reference is made to the appendeddrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a casual view of part of a metal and wood double-wall swimmingpool showing the connection between consecutive panels and theirbracing;

FIG. 2 is an end view of an example of a profiled section suitable forforming a coping according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a connecting flange unit between two consecutiveprofiled coping sections suitable for implementation according to theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a casual view of the connection arrangement for twoconsecutive coping sections, the two sections being presented but notplaced in their assembled position;

FIG. 5 is a casual view showing the two coping sections in an assembledposition; and

FIG. 6 is a casual view showing the two coping sections in an assembledposition with the connecting flange unit covered.

In the following description given in conjunction with the appendeddrawings, the type of free-standing double-wall swimming pool describedin document FR 2 843 769 is more specifically referred to because thisis a preferred, yet non-exclusive, area of application for the featuresembodying the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a free-standing swimming pool of this typecomprises an internal wall 1 composed of metal panels 2 arranged along aclosed, in principle polygonal, outline, this internal wall beingstructurally resistant to oppose the thrust of the water, and anexternal wall 3 composed of panels 4 made of wood or a material with theappearance of wood (these are full panels or preferably panels formed bystacking planks), this external wall being essentially intended forcladding. Posts 5 of composite structure, with the internal part 6 madeof metal and the external part 7 made of wood or a material with theappearance of wood, cooperate with the ends of the panels of both wallsand brace them such that the two walls remain separated from each other,so that the wood or the material with the appearance of wood does notcome into contact with the water or condensation humidity appearing onthe metal walls.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the metal internal part 6 of thepost is formed by a profiled section of suitable conformation, forexample a U-shaped steel, which clasps partially the external part 7made of wood or a material with the appearance of wood and this metalprofiled section can feature a top flap which forms a flange 8 throughwhich a threaded hole 9 is drilled.

Still in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the external part 7, for itspart, is formed by a profiled section made of a material with theappearance of wood and the latter profiled section comprises variouscells 10 extending longitudinally. It is intended to designate by cellseither channels penetrating the full length of the profiled section andextending to its two ends or sections or blind initial lengths of suchchannels hollowed out in the vicinity of the profiled section ends.

The top faces of the panels 2 and 4 and the parts 6 and 7 of the post 5are located at approximately the same level.

Other details of this swimming pool may be found in document FR 2 843769.

The coping required to equip the above swimming pool is formed fromprofiled sections composed of any suitable material, in this casepreferably of wood or a material with the appearance of wood toharmonize visually with the cladding wall. The end of such a profiledcoping section 11, composed of a material with the appearance of wood,is represented in FIG. 2. The profiled section 11 comprises a top 12 andtwo longitudinal flanges 13, which are turned downwards. The end face 14reveals various cells, which can extend over the full length of thesection 11.

In particular, the presence is noted of two respective cells 15 ofvertically elongated cross section within or in line with the twoflanges 13. The presence is also noted of two cells 16 separated fromeach other and of horizontally elongated cross section.

Many solutions can of course be envisaged for the conformation of thecoping sections 11. In particular, if formation of a very wide coping isrequired, several (for example two) profiled sections can be placed edgeto edge to obtain the required width.

A casual view in FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement for connecting twocoping sections such as those shown in FIG. 2, these two coping sectionsbeing shown separated from each other so that other components of theconnection arrangement are visible.

In FIG. 4, the two cladding panels 4 are seen framing the external part7 of a post 5. On the top face of the post 5 is mounted an essentiallyrigid plate 17, for example in the form of a metal plate, which createsa relatively flat, stable bearing surface whose lateral dimensions, atleast, can be greater than those of the top face of the post 5.

A connecting flange unit 18, in the form of an elongated part extendingapproximately along the bisecting line of the angle formed by the twocladding panels 4 as well as by the two profiled coping sections 11between them, is mounted on the plate 17.

The connecting flange unit 18, a top view of which is shown in FIG. 3,comprises a U-shaped body 19 with an essentially flat bottom 20 restingon the plate 17 and two longitudinal flanges 21. The ends of the flanges21 are bent outwards and form four respective elastic lugs 22, the twolugs 22 located at the same end of the connecting flange unit 18 formingan angle between themselves substantially equal to the angle which thetwo cladding panels 4 and the two coping sections 11 form betweenthemselves.

The plate 17 and the connecting flange unit 18 are mounted together byscrewing to the post 5. For this purpose, the plate 17 features holes 23and the bottom 20 of the connecting flange unit 18 features elongatedholes 24 (to facilitate its correct positioning) located opposite theholes 23. In particular, two holes 23 and two coinciding elongated holes24 can be provided respectively arranged in line with the internal andexternal parts 6 and 7 of the post 5. For example, one hole 23 and oneelongated hole 24 can be aligned with the threaded hole 9, shown in FIG.1, at the top of the internal part 6 of the post 5, whilst the otherhole 23 and the other elongated hole 24 can be located opposite thesolid area 25, visible in FIG. 1, in the external part 7 of the post 5.

Finally, the connecting flange unit 18 is equipped with studs 25extending laterally. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, thesestuds 25 are four in number and are arranged in two opposing pairs. Inpractice, the flanges 21 can be provided drilled with facing holesthrough which two rods 26 are inserted to extend transversely, the endsof these rods protruding outside the flanges 21 forming the aforesaidstuds 25.

To ensure structural strength, it is preferable that the connectingflange unit 18 be metal and obtained, for example, from acutting-bending operation or by injection casting in a metal alloy.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, assembly of the coping sections 11 isperformed by inserting the lugs 22 into the end cells 15, the lugsbearing elastically against the respective cell walls, resulting incorrect relative positioning of the coping sections in the transversedirection, and, at the same time, inserting the studs 25 into theaforesaid cells 16: by giving the studs 25 a diameter approximatelyequal to the small dimension of the cells 16, correct relativepositioning of two consecutive coping sections is obtained in thevertical direction; preferably, it can also be arranged that the spacingbetween the two rods 26 is such that the studs 25 fit into the cells 16near their respective ends, to create a mechanical stop limiting thecapacity for transverse play of the coping sections.

In FIG. 5, the two coping sections 11 are shown in their final assemblyposition, the lugs 22 are incorporated in the cells 15 and the twoprofiled sections 11 are flush against the plate 17.

In FIG. 6, the box cover 27 is in place over the connecting flange unit18 to conceal it. In the illustrated example, the box cover 27 iscomposed of a metal strip formed to correspond with the shape of theexternal outline of the top 12 and the flanges 13 of the coping sections11; the box cover 27 can then be screwed at 28 onto lugs 29 provided atthe ends of the connecting flange unit 18. Many possibilities can, ofcourse, be envisaged as alternatives for finishing the connection of thetwo coping sections.

As stated above, the features described above are designed to install acoping made of wood or a material with the appearance of wood on adouble-wall swimming pool with a composite structure, as described inthe document FR 2 843 769, with external cladding panels made of wood ora material with the appearance of wood. In this case, the copingsections lap over the top edges of the two sets of internal panels 2 andexternal panels 4.

However, it is understood that the means proposed by the invention arenot structurally linked to this particular type of swimming pool and, inparticular, are linked neither to the type nor the number of walls.Consequently, these means can also be implemented for positioning acoping on a single-wall swimming pool (for example formed by continuoussheeting supported by posts or formed by metal panels interconnected byposts) and all the more if this single wall is relatively thick (forexample a wood or analogous wall formed by stacking planks). Effectiveimplementation of the invention is more linked to the cross section ofthe posts, which must be sufficient, particularly in the radialdirection, to be able to support the plate 17 and the connecting flangeunit 18 by screwing.

It is also stressed that the coping can overhang significantly,especially to the outside, particularly in the case of a single-wallswimming pool: the erection and assembly means embodying the inventionmay be suitable for supporting the coping effectively in such a case.

Finally, although it is customary for a coping, when present, to extendover the full periphery of a swimming pool, only part of the swimmingpool periphery may be equipped within the scope of the invention, if soneeded or desired.

1. A free-standing swimming pool comprising at least one rigid wallsupported by posts, a coping being provided over at least part of theperiphery of the swimming pool, wherein it includes: profiled copingsections (11) suitable for lapping over the top edge of the wall andwhose length corresponds to the distance separating two consecutiveposts (5), said profiled sections (11) comprising longitudinal cells(15, 16) extending into their respective end faces, rigid plates (17)resting on the top faces of the posts (5), the facing ends (14) of twosuccessive profiled sections (11) resting on a plate (17) at a distancefrom each other, and connecting flange units (18) suitable for restingrespectively on said plates (17) and securely fixed by screwing throughthe corresponding plate into the top face of the posts (5), these flangeunits (18) each comprising transverse positioning and vertical fixingmeans (22, 25) suitable for engaging inside the aforesaid cells (15, 16)of two facing profiled sections (11) to hold these in a correct relativeposition.
 2. The swimming pool as claimed in claim 1, wherein itcomprises at least one wall made up of panels, which are connected insuccession by said posts.
 3. The swimming pool as claimed in claim 2,wherein it comprises at least one wall (3) composed of panels (4) madeof wood or a material with the appearance of wood, which are connectedin succession by posts (5) at least partly (7) made of wood or havingthe appearance of wood.
 4. The swimming pool as claimed in claim 3,wherein it comprises an internal metal wall (1), an external claddingwall (3) composed of panels (4) made of wood or a material with theappearance of wood, and posts (5) of composite structure, with theinternal part (6) made of metal and the external part (7) made of woodor a material with the appearance of wood, said posts (5) bracing thetwo walls (1, 3), whilst securely fixing in succession the panels (4) ofthe external wall (3) and wherein each said profiled coping section (11)is suitable for lapping over both the internal wall (1) and the externalwall (3).
 5. The swimming pool as claimed in claim 4, wherein itcomprises an internal wall (1) composed of metal panels, an externalcladding wall (3) composed of panels (4) made of wood or a material withthe appearance of wood, and posts (5) of composite structure, with theinternal part (6) made of metal and the external part (7) made of woodor a material with the appearance of wood, said posts (5) bracing therespective panels (2, 4) of the two walls (1, 3), whilst securely fixingthem in succession, and wherein each said profiled coping section (11)is suitable for lapping over both an internal panel (2) and an externalpanel (4).
 6. The swimming pool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5,wherein the profiled coping sections (11) are made of wood or a materialwith the appearance of wood.
 7. The swimming pool as claimed in any oneof claims 1 to 6, wherein each flange unit (18) comprises opposinglateral lugs (22), suitable for engaging in respective cells (15) of thefacing ends (14) of two adjacent profiled sections (11), and which areequipped to exert an elastic force within said cells (15) to hold saidprofiled sections (11) in a correct relative position in the transversedirection.
 8. The swimming pool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7,wherein each flange unit (18) comprises opposing lateral studs (25)suitable for fitting into respective cells (16) of the facing ends (14)of two adjacent profiled sections (11) to hold said ends in a correctvertical relative position.
 9. The swimming pool as claimed in claim 7or 8, wherein each flange unit (18) has a U-shaped body (19) withlongitudinal flanges (21), whose ends are bent outwards to form theaforesaid lugs (22), the two lugs (22) located at the same end of theflange unit (18) forming between them an angle approximately equal tothe angle formed by two consecutive wall panels between them.
 10. Theswimming pool as claimed in claims 8 and 9, wherein at least tworespective holes are drilled through the two longitudinal flanges (21)of each flange unit and a rod (26) is inserted through these holes toprotrude externally on each side of the two flanges, the protrudingparts of the rod (26) forming two opposing studs (25).
 11. The swimmingpool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each flange unit(18) is metal and, in particular, formed by a cut-bent metal plate orformed by cast metal.
 12. The swimming pool as claimed in any one ofclaims 1 to 11, wherein a box cover (27) is provided to conceal theconnecting flange unit (18).